Christmas Crack is a wildly popular holiday treat for good reason! It’s a sweet, salty, and crunchy candy made from layers of crispy saltine crackers, buttery toffee, and melted chocolate. Add a sprinkle of festive toppings if you like, and you have an easy-to-make, totally addictive dessert that always disappears first on the holiday cookie tray.
Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at parties, or just sneaking pieces from the fridge, this simple recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Expect rave reviews from kids and adults alike it’s called “crack” for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack
Christmas Crack is insanely easy, absolutely irresistible, and endlessly adaptable for all your holiday snacking needs. The layers of crisp crackers, buttery toffee, and chocolate make for a dreamy combination of textures and taste. It’s a festive classic that’s fun to make, gift, and enjoy and before you know it, every single piece will be gone!
Ingredients
- 35 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve, more or less depending on your pan)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, well packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate work best)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare your pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed jelly roll pan (about 10×15 inches) with parchment paper or foil, making sure it covers the sides to prevent sticking.
Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the bottom of the pan. Don’t worry if you need to break a few to fit just make sure the surface is evenly covered.
Step 2: Make the toffee
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, keep stirring and boil for 3 full minutes. The sugar should be completely dissolved and the toffee bubbling and just a bit thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Pour and bake
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the layer of crackers. Use a spatula to spread it quickly, making sure every cracker gets coated.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The toffee will bubble and fuse with the crackers.
Step 4: Add chocolate
Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the bubbling toffee. Wait for 2–3 minutes until the chocolate softens and starts to melt.
Use a spatula or back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface, covering the toffee and crackers in a smooth layer.
Step 5: Chill and break
Let the pan cool on the counter for about 20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
Once cooled and set, lift the Christmas Crack from the pan using the parchment or foil. Break into irregular pieces with your hands.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week (if it lasts that long!).
Expert Tips for Success
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Line your pan well: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
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Heat toffee long enough: Boil for the full 3 minutes to make sure the toffee sets up crisp.
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Work fast: Once the toffee is ready, pour and spread it quickly before it starts to harden.
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Chill thoroughly: Only break into pieces after it’s completely set to get those perfect crackly bites.
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Customize: For extra fun, top the melted chocolate with sprinkles, M&Ms, chopped nuts, or festive crushed candies before chilling.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Peanut butter swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the melted chocolate and swirl before chilling.
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White chocolate: Use half white chocolate and half milk chocolate for a marbled top.
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Nutty version: Sprinkle the chocolate with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
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Holiday sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch.
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Salted caramel: Boost the salt for an extra sweet-salty kick.
Serving Ideas
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Giftable treat: Package in cellophane bags or tins with ribbon for easy homemade gifts.
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Dessert table hit: Place on a holiday platter with cookies and fudge for a show-stopping display.
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Party snack: Serve as a sweet finger food at holiday gatherings.
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Lunchbox surprise: Add a piece to lunchboxes for a festive treat.
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Movie night snack: Break into bowls for a salty-sweet movie treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cracker?
Yes! Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or even matzo work beautifully for a similar salty-sweet effect.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two pans or a larger baking sheet, and double all ingredients.
Why is my toffee grainy?
Be sure to melt the butter fully and boil the mixture for 3 full minutes without stirring too vigorously. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely and the finished candy is smooth.
How do I keep it from sticking?
Line your pan thoroughly with parchment or foil that goes up the sides. Grease the lines for extra insurance if needed.
How long does Christmas Crack last?
Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week (or freeze for up to a month). The chocolate will stay snappy and the toffee crisp.
Print
Christmas Crack
- Total Time: 80
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible holiday treat made from saltine crackers, buttery toffee, and melted chocolate. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and addictive, perfect for gifts, cookie trays, or snacking.
Ingredients
- 35 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp kosher or sea salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil, covering sides. Arrange crackers in single even layer.
- Melt butter over medium in saucepan. Add brown sugar and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil 3 minutes until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt.
- Quickly pour toffee over crackers, spreading evenly. Bake 5 minutes until bubbling and caramelized.
- Remove pan; sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over hot toffee. Let sit 2–3 minutes to melt. Spread chocolate into smooth layer.
- Cool 20 minutes at room temp. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm. Lift from pan, break into pieces. Store airtight in fridge up to 1 week.
Notes
Line pan completely for easy cleanup and perfect edges.
Boil toffee 3 minutes for crisp texture.
Spread quickly before toffee hardens.
Chill fully before breaking apart.
Add festive toppings like sprinkles or nuts before chilling.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Baking / No-Bake Finish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: christmas crack candy, holiday toffee crackers, easy christmas dessert, saltine toffee bark, festive holiday treat
